Pittsburgh Steelers to face Houston Oilers

PITTSBURGH -- When the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to the Astrodome to face the Houston Oilers in a Sunday National Football League game, it will be a matchup of the AFC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.

Steelers rookie safety Carnell Lake was named the conference's defensive player of the week for his performance in last Sunday's 17-7 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Lake, a second round draft choice from UCLA, made a one-handed interception of a Bernie Kosar pass, recovered a fumble, knocked down two other passes and made five solo tackles.

'Carnell had an exceptional day,' said Steelers coach Chuck Noll. 'He was exceptional supporting the run, playing the pass, just getting where he has to be.'

The Steelers drafted Lakein the second round of the 1989 NFL Draft even though he was a linebacker in college.

After working him out at the Senior Bowl and being impressed with his coverage skills, the Steelers drafted him and then waived last year's starting strong safety, Cornell Gowdy, on the final cutdown before the start of the 1989 season.

'Cornell played the ball and made some outstanding coverages when they were trying to get deep on us,' Noll said. 'I think he has a better understanding of what we're trying to do. That all helps. I think his talent will begin to show.'

In other news, the Steelers signed tight end Richard Gicewicz and added him to their developmental squad. A 6-foot-3, 240-pounder from Michigan State, Gicewicz was waived by the Cincinnati Bengals on the final roster cutdown.

The Steelers also announced that quarterback Bubby Brister (knee) and tight end Mike Mularkey (knee) are both out of Sunday's game against the Oilers.